David Burton Willis went peacefully to meet his Lord Saturday, October 25th 2014 surrounded by his family. David passed away at Grace Assisted Living in Nampa. David lived independently, often caring for and helping others, until he was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in mid-August, 2014. David was born March 8, 1918 in Ashton, Idaho to Starr and Mabel Pettibone Willis. David spent his childhood on the farm /ranch in Ashton, where he attended elementary and high school. David met his future bride, Ruth Emma Bent, during high school where he tutored her in chemistry. Upon high school graduation they attended the University of Idaho and were married after their freshman year. David received his bachelors and masters degrees in chemistry. Dave and Ruth moved to California where Dave worked for Shell Chemical Company. In 1948 David was invited to join the faculty of Pasadena Nazarene College, now Point Loma Nazarene University, where he taught in the department of chemistry. In 1949 David accepted a position with Industrial Air Products/Aire Liquide, in Portland, Oregon, where he worked as assistant superintendent, until retirement. Following retirement David and Ruth lived in Gleneden Beach, Oregon for 10 years. They then moved to Nampa, Idaho to be closer to family. David was deeply involved in the Church of the Nazarene his entire adult life. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, a church board member, choir member for many years, and was active in missionary endeavors. He was a faithful Gideon for many years. He and Ruth enjoyed traveling, tent camping in their younger years, and RV travels later in life. David and Ruth provided outdoor experiences for their growing family. In Portland they started boating and water skiing in the Willamette and Columbia rivers. The family members became avid boaters water skiing on most of the lakes in the northwest and many in Canada. They visited all the national parks in the western part of the United States. David was a member of Nampa First Church of the Nazarene. During retirement, David was a member of the Kings Travelers RV group of Nampa, Idaho, serving as president for 3 years. A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, 601 16th. Ave. So. on Saturday, November 1, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Caldwell. The family will greet loved ones and friends at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene on Friday, Oct. 31, 2014 from 3:00 until 5:00 pm. Services are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th. Ave. So. Nampa 442-8171. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com. David was preceded in death by his parents, Starr Willis and Mabel Willis Adams and his wife of 70 years, Ruth. He is survived by a brother, Gordon Willis, Sun City, AZ; his children, Margaret Mason, Nampa; Jim and JoAnn Willis, Nampa and Don Willis, Paradise, CA; his grandchildren, Debbie Smith Bettencourt, Rocklin CA; Elizabeth Smith Springer, Nampa; John Smith, Nampa; Rob Mason, Sacramento, CA; LoriAnn Willis Sanchez, Nampa; Rob Willis, Caldwell and Megan Willis, Boston, Ma. 6 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild and a number of nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank those who so lovingly cared for David during his last few months of his earthly life and those are: Grace Assisted Living staff; XL Hospice; Dr. Larry Fiorentino and Dr. Austin Graham. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the David and Ruth Willis Scholarship at NNU, 623 University Drive, Nampa, ID 83686.

Service Information Visitation Friday October 31, 2014 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Nampa First Church of the Nazarene 601 16th Ave S Nampa, Idaho 83651 Funeral Service Saturday November 1, 2014 11:00 AM Nampa First Church of the Nazarene 601 16th Ave S Nampa, Idaho 83651